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MAYOR JAMES @ 1 YEAR: Kansas City Mayor Sly James marks his first full year in office this week as the top elected leader in Kansas City, MO. We issue a report card.

DON’T SAY GAY: A Missouri Republican lawmaker makes it public that he is gay this week after getting angry with his party over a bill in Jefferson City that would restrict all discussion of sexual orientation in public schools. It has been dubbed the “don’t say gay” bill. According to the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, Republican Zach Wyatt, who raises cattle in northern Missouri, is now the only openly gay Republican currently serving in a state legislature in the United States.

BROWNBACK POLL NUMBERS: A new Survey USA poll in Kansas gives Governor Sam Brownback lower approval ratings than President Barack Obama. How can that be when the state is overwhelmingly Republican?

YODER CALLS FOR PAY CUT: Kansas 3rd District Republican Congressman Kevin Yoder thinks Congress ought to cut its pay by five percent. Not only that, he wants lawmakers to eliminate their automatic cost-of-living increases as well.

LEGOLAND OPENS BUT NEW POLICY CAUSES STIR: The Legoland Discovery Center officially opens its doors this past weekend at Crown Center. But one of its policies is raising eyebrows. The attraction is not admitting adults unless they are accompanied by a child.

RAISING LOWEST IN NATION TOBACCO TAX: Anti-smoking advocates are expected to turn in petition signatures this weekend for a November ballot initiative asking voters to raise Missouri’s tax on a pack of cigarettes to 90 cents from the current 17 cents. That’s the lowest in the nation. It’s failed twice on the statewide ballot previously. Why do backers believe the 2012 election would be different?

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The documentary Meet the Patels follows Ravi Patel, who is almost 30, an actor, and, worst of all to his traditional Hindu parents, still unmarried. After he breaks up with his white girlfriend, Ravi submits ...Continue Reading

This year marks the 32nd Anniversary of the Christmas Tour and release of Mannheim Steamroller Christmas, an album that revolutionized the Holiday Season music category. This new tour features classic Christmas hits from Mannheim Steamroller and dazzling ...Continue Reading

Cultural values, beliefs and attitudes shape and influence our behavior. Just as cultures are unique, each child has unique needs. At this workshop —the first of four professional development opportunities for preschool teachers offered at ...Continue Reading